Katherine Jordan, now 52, sat down with Laura Tate to discuss the joys and challenges of motherhood, her business achievements, and the wisdom she wishes she could have shared with her younger self.
With your eldest now 20, how have you managed the transition to an empty nest?
It’s essential for children to forge their own paths and grow independent. While it’s bittersweet to let go—wishing you could keep them little and reliant on you forever—it’s truly rewarding to witness their unique personalities emerge. As parents, we can impart our values, but ultimately, they need to cultivate their own beliefs and convictions.
In what ways has motherhood influenced your life?
Out of everything I’ve had the honor of doing, nurturing my three children alongside my husband has been both the toughest and most fulfilling journey.
How do you maintain balance in your life?
Honestly, I struggle with it! Achieving balance has never been my strong suit. Life seems to unfold in different seasons, and I’ve come to realize that I need to prioritize my time accordingly. My main focuses are my faith, family, and then my career. When those priorities get out of alignment, I find myself feeling overwhelmed and ineffective.
You’ve achieved remarkable success in business. What’s one of the most significant lessons you’ve learned along the way?
I’ve often been labeled a control freak. I prefer to view it as being passionate, but it wasn’t until I turned 40 that I learned the power of saying “no.” Sure, “no, thank you” sounds nicer, but simply saying “no” can be enough. I’ve learned that I don’t have to take on everything.
What advice would you offer to women who feel they’re battling uphill to reach their potential?
There will always be those who claim you’re not good enough or smart enough. Don’t let those opinions get to you. People have a tendency to box others in, and I’m just too unique to fit anywhere. Many women may feel defeated by setbacks, thinking their dreams are shattered. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A dream or goal without a specific timeline or strategy remains just that—a dream. So it’s crucial to have a plan.
Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give your younger self?
It’s much simpler to give advice than to heed it, and I’ve certainly been guilty of that. Perhaps I’d tell myself to slow down. I acknowledge I don’t get enough sleep, but I reassure myself that I’ll catch up one day. My modeling career was filled with invaluable lessons; in many ways, it was like my own college experience, where I learned to major in rejection. I often faced ridicule, but I took away an important lesson—not to take myself too seriously. I dedicate myself to my work, but I don’t let my identity be defined by it.
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In summary, Katherine Jordan’s reflections on motherhood and career provide a candid glimpse into the challenges and triumphs she has faced. Her journey emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal values, the power of “no,” and the necessity of having a strategic plan for achieving dreams.